The certificate for James Stockton of East Harlsey, North Riding of Yorkshire, 1685
These are to certify the Hon[our]able Bench
That the bearer hereof James Stockton of East Hearlsey in the County of York Labourer hath from time to time faithfully served King Cha[rles] the first in severall dangerous Conflicts in the prime of his years, as may be made appear by severall Credible men yet living; first under Sir William Pennyman in the Scottish Expedition, and after at Oxford until he dyed, then under Sir Robert Strickland in severall onsets, namely at the cold seidg at Hull, at Adderton Moor, Selby, Bradford and Hessam Moore being four times taken prisoner, yet did he not at any time take up Armes against his said Maj[es]ty, though he suffered much hardship for the same. And now though weak[e]ned by his former service and old age, yet Continueth his fidelity to King Cha[rles] the s[e]c[on]d in his due allegiance under the Command of Sir William Frankland now under Sir Roger Stric[k]land.
I do believe the contents hereof to be true.
E: Trotter
Tim[othy] Mauleverer sen[io]r
Tim[othy] Mauleverer jun[io]r
Geo[rge] Trotter
Jo: Trotter
Rob[ert] Booth Curat[e].
x s. as a gratuity